The romantic comedy is one of the most popular of genres, and Hollywood churns them out with bludgeoning regularity. Often marked by dopey dialogue and narrative idiocy, they usually rate as the worst kind of diversion. But when done right (When Harry Met Sally, ...say Anything, The Wedding Singer), the romantic comedy can be a truly glorious thing. Thankfully, debutantes, Australian screenwriter Stephen Vagg and director Louise Alston (husband and wife by the way), have their cinematic influences in order and an abundance of wit, intelligence and earthy charm at their disposal.
Shot independently on a shoestring in Brisbane, and dealing in knowing detail with the foibles of that oft-derided city, the film tracks a group of disparate characters, but principally settles on two: all-too-single platonic friends Anthea (the very charming Charlotte Gregg) and the brooding Michael (Burke & Wills star Matt Zeremes, again proving himself a major talent to watch). They mix with a circle that includes loveable yob Tyson (comic firecracker Ryan Johnson), bigshot Jake (Gyton Grantley) and the acerbic Kath (Cindy Nelson), who are all similarly frustrated, not just in romance but by the stifling insularity of Brisbane itself. But the big question remains whether Anthea and Michael will realise that they’re actually made for each other...
While the tight budget pinches, All My Friends"¦ has more important assets than monetary ones: the actors are all fresh, funny and entertaining (with Gregg and Zeremes even effortlessly rising above their characters’ occasionally off-putting self absorption and propensity for whinging); the script has more than its fair share of insight and stinging dialogue; and it all rolls out at a hectic, enlivening pace. If you’re sick of formulaic Hollywood romantic comedies, this might be just the tonic you need.
Verdict: Smarter than most romantic comedies – and boasting a pithy script, as well as almost boundless energy – All My Friends Are Leaving Brisbane highlights an exciting array of fresh young Aussie talent.
Filmink 3/5
